Book Review - Iron Ambition: My Journey from Seat 2A to Ironman by John D. Callos
Category Book Review John D. Callos Iron Ambition: My Journey from Seat 2A to Ironman
It's not uncommon for people to have that moment when they look in the mirror and say "no more". Still fairly common for people to make a commitment to "change". The rarity starts when someone actually accomplishes what they set out to change, and hardly anyone ever documents their battles for others to learn from. John Callos falls into that final category with his book Iron Ambition: My Journey from Seat 2A to Ironman. This book falls squarely into the "inspirational/motivational" genre for those of us who are looking to mend our ways when it comes to health and fitness. And it works...
I've had the pleasure of talking with John on business-related issues, and I was impressed with his knowledge and wisdom. That same practical reality comes through in his writing, which is a personal account of his decision to compete and finish an Ironman triathlon. His many years of business travel and "comfortable living" had put him in a spot where he was physically out of shape and embarrassed to face what he had become. He decided that he would change his ways and work towards a goal of finishing an Ironman triathlon. But unlike setting a goal of running a 10K race, triathlon training is a full-time commitment. Add in running your own business and traveling on a regular basis, and we're talking some serious lifestyle disruption. But John is nothing if not stubborn, and his drive to reach his goal carried him through some dark hours and serious injuries on his way towards hearing those magic words, "John Callos, you are an Ironman!"
This is not a "follow these steps, and you too can go from fat to fit" book. There's no product being pushed here, nor is he trying to sell a program. Think of it as a set of letters written to a close friend, explaining what you're going through trying to reach a goal. Also keep in mind that you won't probably won't have the same level of resources available to you that John did. He runs a very successful business, and can afford things that most of us would just drool over in catalogs. You're probably not going to be able to hire a well-known coach to work with you. You may not be able to afford an Endless Pool installation so that you can train in your own backyard. You also may not have a selection of road bikes to choose from for your training, either. On the other hand, you *will* experience aches and pains you've never felt before. You'll have numerous reasons not to work out on any particular day. You'll have workouts from hell and times when you feel you could run forever. Bottom line, you'll be reading someone who has struggled along the path that you want to travel, and is willing to share what he went through.
This is an enjoyable read, and one that should inspire you to make some changes and follow through with them... I know it's helping me.
It's not uncommon for people to have that moment when they look in the mirror and say "no more". Still fairly common for people to make a commitment to "change". The rarity starts when someone actually accomplishes what they set out to change, and hardly anyone ever documents their battles for others to learn from. John Callos falls into that final category with his book Iron Ambition: My Journey from Seat 2A to Ironman. This book falls squarely into the "inspirational/motivational" genre for those of us who are looking to mend our ways when it comes to health and fitness. And it works...
I've had the pleasure of talking with John on business-related issues, and I was impressed with his knowledge and wisdom. That same practical reality comes through in his writing, which is a personal account of his decision to compete and finish an Ironman triathlon. His many years of business travel and "comfortable living" had put him in a spot where he was physically out of shape and embarrassed to face what he had become. He decided that he would change his ways and work towards a goal of finishing an Ironman triathlon. But unlike setting a goal of running a 10K race, triathlon training is a full-time commitment. Add in running your own business and traveling on a regular basis, and we're talking some serious lifestyle disruption. But John is nothing if not stubborn, and his drive to reach his goal carried him through some dark hours and serious injuries on his way towards hearing those magic words, "John Callos, you are an Ironman!"
This is not a "follow these steps, and you too can go from fat to fit" book. There's no product being pushed here, nor is he trying to sell a program. Think of it as a set of letters written to a close friend, explaining what you're going through trying to reach a goal. Also keep in mind that you won't probably won't have the same level of resources available to you that John did. He runs a very successful business, and can afford things that most of us would just drool over in catalogs. You're probably not going to be able to hire a well-known coach to work with you. You may not be able to afford an Endless Pool installation so that you can train in your own backyard. You also may not have a selection of road bikes to choose from for your training, either. On the other hand, you *will* experience aches and pains you've never felt before. You'll have numerous reasons not to work out on any particular day. You'll have workouts from hell and times when you feel you could run forever. Bottom line, you'll be reading someone who has struggled along the path that you want to travel, and is willing to share what he went through.
This is an enjoyable read, and one that should inspire you to make some changes and follow through with them... I know it's helping me.
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